Preview: Newcastle United vs. Queens Park Rangers

Out-of-form Queens Park Rangers face a tough test as they travel to the Sports Direct Arena to play Newcastle United on Sunday.

New QPR manager Mark Hughes will be looking to start his time in charge of the club in style, but will be without suspended captain Joey Barton as well as Adel Taraabt and Armand Traore, both of whom are on African Cup of Nations duty.

Some good news for Hughes, however, is that Newcastle will be without arguably their two best players this season, as top-scorer Demba Ba and midfielder Cheick Tiote are also at the Cup of Nations.

The Magpies will also be missing Peter Lovenkrands, Nile Ranger and Sammy Ameobi so Leon Best is expected to partner Shola Ameobi up front as Alan Pardew's side look build on their 3-0 win over Manchester United.

QPR go into this game without a win in their last eight Premier League fixtures -drawing two and losing six - but will be hoping to take advantage of the optimism surrounding the new manager's arrival.

Current Form:

Newcastle: LDLWLW
QPR: LLLDLL

Possible lineups:

Newcastle:Krul; Simpson, Williamson, Coloccini, Santon; Ben Arfa, Guthrie, Cabaye, Gutierrez; Sh Ameobi, Best

QPR: Kenny, Young, Gabbidon, Connolly, Hill, Wright-Phillips, Derry, Buzsaky, Smith, Campbell, Helguson

Sports Mole says: 1-1

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